Since the beginning of the New Testament, the
gift of tongues has been an intriguing topic for Bible scholars and
students alike. Many questions surround this gift, including: What does it
mean to speak in tongues? Do the modern examples of "tongues" correspond
to what we find in Scripture? How is this gift used? Do we see signs of
this gift today?

To answer these questions we will review (1)
the modern history of tongues, (2) the Biblical definition of tongues, (3)
the gift of tongues, (4) the benefits of tongues, and (5) how this gift
was used in the New Testament.

Modern Tongues Movement

According to most Pentecostal references, the
modern Pentecostal Movement can be traced back to a Charles Fox Parham.
Parham was born on June 4, 1873 in Iowa. Through personal tragedy Parham
at the age of seven made a commitment to follow his Heavenly
Father.

In 1898 Parham opened his divine healing home
in Topeka, Kan., which he named "Bethel." It was Parham’s goal to provide
for those seeking healing and spiritual enlightenment. Later, he was
encouraged to open a Bible School. Parham believed that missionaries to
other lands should be able to preach in the native tongue or language. To
receive additional insight on this subject, he gave a special assignment
to his students to determine the Biblical evidence of the baptism in the
Holy Spirit.

According to Pentecostal reports, although
the students found that different gifts were given at the outpouring of
the Spirit, the gift of speaking in tongues occurred in each. In a prayer
service that followed, the first alleged occurrence of "tongues" was
reported.

One of Parham’s students, Agnes Ozman, asked
that hands be laid upon her to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At
first Parham refused, as he never experienced the gift of tongues himself.
Nevertheless, she persisted and Parham agreed. As hands were laid upon
Ozman, it is reported that she spoke and wrote in the Chinese language.
This one episode is regarded by many as the beginning of the modern
Pentecostal-Holiness movement.

It is most fascinating that the first alleged
modern example of tongues was from a woman who spoke in Chinese, a known
language! This is precisely what we find in Scripture. Most examples of
tongues that we hear today are utterances of gibberish. This is not what
Parham taught nor is it what we find in the first occurrence. Parham
believed that it was important to be able to evangelize in the native
language and for him, tongues meant speaking in a native language. With
this background let us now consider what we find within the Word about
speaking in tongues.

First Account in the New Testament

We find the first recorded instance of this
gift in the second chapter of Acts: "And when the day of Pentecost was
fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there
came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all
the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven
tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the
Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1-4).

There are several points to explore within
this account. First, the occasion was the day of Pentecost, also known as
the Feast of Weeks. Significantly, the outpouring of Yahweh’s Spirit
happened on a Feast day. According to Jewish tradition, it was also on
this same Feast day that Yahweh’s Law was given to Israel in the Old
Testament, as Scripture also indicates in Exodus 19:1. If true, Yahweh’s
law and Holy Spirit were both given on a day that Yahweh marked as holy or
sacred.

Second, we find that this gift was through
the Holy Spirit and that it was manifested as a rushing wind and fire. So
we find that when this gift was given that there were physical signs that
were seen and heard by those present.

Third, we find that this gift allowed those
in attendance to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them
utterance. This third point is most important. What does it mean to speak
in other tongues?

The word "tongues" comes from the Greek
glossa, meaning "a language" (specially, one naturally unacquired)
(Strong’s Concordance Greek Dictionary). Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
defines this word as, "The language or dialect used by a particular people
distinct from that of other nations."

Based on these references, speaking in other
tongues refers to speaking in known languages not naturally acquired and
different from one’s own. It should also be noted that the word "other" in
verse 4 comes from the Greek heteros, which literally means,
"another of a different kind" (Companion Bible). So from this instance we
find that when the people spoke in different languages, they were all
known languages; a point that is paramount. This again is very different
from what is considered speaking in tongues or glossa today.

As we read on, we continue to see evidence of
glossa referring to known languages. "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem
Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was
noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because
that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all
amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these
which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue,
wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers
in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene,
and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do
hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of Elohim. And they
were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth
this?" (Acts 2:5-12).

In this passage we find that all those
gathered heard others speaking in their native tongue or language. There
were visitors from 15 nations. After they heard one another speak in
different languages, followed by Peter’s dynamic sermon (Acts 2:14-36),
about 3,000 were pricked in their hearts and gave their lives over to the
Messiah through repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38, 41).

If not for the outpouring of the Spirit and
the gift of tongues, this great awaking may have never happened. This gift
was for a purpose and that purpose was to increase the growth and strength
of the assembly.

So from this passage we find what it means to
speak in tongues or glossa—speaking in other languages acquired through
Yahweh’s Spirit and different from your own. As seen, this gift is not
gibberish but known languages used in the New Testament to convert
nonbelievers.

A Variety of Gifts Given

We find within the Word that speaking in
tongues is one gift of many. "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I
would not have you ignorant. You know that you were Gentiles, carried away
unto these dumb idols, even as you were led. Wherefore I give you to
understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of Elohim calleth Yahshua
accursed: and that no man can say that Yahshua is the Master, but by the
Holy Spirit. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And
there are differences of administrations, but the same Master. And there
are diversities of operations, but it is the same Elohim which works all
in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to
profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to
another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the
same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To
another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues" (1Cor. 12:1-10).

In this account, Paul lists the gifts of
Yahweh’s Spirit. It is crucial to note that not everyone receives the same
gift. Paul says that there are diversities or differences in gifts. We
also find that all gifts are from the same Spirit. No matter what gifts we
receive, they are all from the same source, Yahweh’s Holy Spirit. Paul
also says that there are differences of ministries or administrations. In
other words, different gifts serve different purposes or functions.

Paul in verse 7 says that all these gifts are
to be used for the profit of all and not just for the profit of one, as is
often seen. Notice how some of the gifts are allocated. For example,
instead of receiving both the gifts of wisdom and knowledge, a person may
receive only the gift of wisdom. Proverbs speaks of wisdom and knowledge
separately. We find here the same concept with the gift of tongues. Paul
says that there is a gift of tongues and a gift of interpreting tongues.
In other words, we find that some may have the ability to speak in other
languages, while others may have the ability to interpret what is said.

As we find in this passage, Yahweh’s gifts
build and benefit one another. This is precisely how the assembly
functions. It is not a single person who makes a ministry successful, but
the gifts of the collective body working together in harmony.

The Underlying Purpose

From Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians
we find that the gift of tongues was used as a tool to evangelize the good
news of the Messiah to the unbelieving or unconverted.

"Follow after charity, and desire spiritual
gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. 2 For he that speaks in an
unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto Elohim: for no man
understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he that
prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4
He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that
prophesies edifies the assembly. 5 I would that you all spake with
tongues, but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies
than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the assembly
may receive edifying" (1Cor. 14:1-5).

In verse 2, Paul explains that when we speak
in unknown tongues that we do not speak to man, but in mysteries. What
exactly does he mean? As we learned, the word "tongues" comes from the
Greek word glossa meaning languages.

This passage confirms that when we speak in a
tongue or language that is unknown the words cannot be understood and are
therefore considered a mystery. An example would be if we traveled to
Kenya and heard a man preaching in Swahili. For the average American his
language would be a mystery or unknown. This is why Paul says he who
speaks in tongues edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the
assembly.

Now what does it mean to prophesy? The word
"prophesies" comes from the Greek propheteuo, meaning "…to foretell
events, speak under inspiration, or to exercise the prophetic office"
(Strong’s Concordance). In this passage Paul was likely referring to
teaching under the inspiration of Yahweh’s Holy Spirit. Prophecy or
teaching is what is most valuable to the assembly. This is the reason Paul
said that he would rather prophesy than to speak in tongues. A tongue or
language serves no value if those who hear are unfamiliar with that glossa
or language, unless one can interpret (v.5).

A Great Way to Teach

To understand the purpose of this gift, let
us continue reading: "Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with
tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by
revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7 And even
things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a
distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself
to the battle? 9 So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words
easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall
speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in
the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I
know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks a
barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me. 12 Even so
you, forasmuch as you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may
excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaks in
an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an
unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the
understanding also" (1Cor. 14:6-15).

In verse 6 we find again that speaking in a
tongue is of no profit unless we speak to convey a teaching or doctrine.
The word doctrine is derived from the Greek word didache, meaning
"instruction." This is again one of those gifts that most benefit the
assembly. When we teach Yahweh’s Word we come to a deeper knowledge of Him
and through that instruction we become better disciples. Speaking in a
language that is unknown, or worse yet, uttering sounds without meaning or
purpose, does not edify.

Paul here uses the analogy of musical
instruments and states that unless the instrument makes an identifiable
sound it serves no value. In the Old Testament the trumpet was often the
main method of communication for Israel, including the calling to war
(Num. 10:9). If the sound of the trumpet were incorrect, confusion would
have erupted. This same concept holds true when we speak in tongues or
languages that are unknown to our audience.

Paul in verse 10 said that there were many
kinds of languages and that none were without significance. The word
"significance," is from the Greek word aphonos, meaning to be
"voiceless, i.e. mute or without meaning." This Greek word confirms that
Paul was not referring to meaningless babble, but to recognized languages.
Even the angels themselves possess a tongue or known language (1Cor.
13:1), likely the Hebrew language (Acts 26:14).

Paul goes on here to say that if the tongue
or language is unknown, "he that speaks shall be a barbarian…." In Greek
the word "barbarian" literally means, "a foreigner." Therefore, those who
speak in different or unknown languages are as a foreigner or alien.
Unless the language is understood it is of no benefit. It is for this
reason that Paul states in verse 16, "Else when you shall bless with the
spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say Amen at
your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you say?" In this
passage Paul reiterates that if we speak in a tongue or language given by
the Holy Spirit that is unknown to the audience that it is unfruitful to
our natural mind.

In verse 22 we find a truth that many
overlook. "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but
to them that believe not: but prophesying serves not for them that believe
not, but for them which believe" (1Cor. 14:22).

A Different Gift for Believers

Paul verifies that the gift of tongues is not
a sign to believers, but to those who disbelieve. With this in mind it
seems odd that many assemblies would base their main source of validation
on a sign specifically meant for unbelievers.

However, this is precisely what we find with
many charismatic assemblies today. Some believe that a person is never
completely converted unless he or she speaks in tongues. This is not only
unfounded scripturally, but contradicts the purpose of this gift.

If the gift of tongues is for the unbeliever,
what then is for the believer? Prophecy or inspired teaching is for the
believer. It provides the knowledge and instruction allowing us to become
better disciples of our Father in heaven and Savior.

In verse 23 Paul asks, "If therefore the
whole assembly be come together into one place, and all speak with
tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will
they not say that you are mad?"

The word "mad" comes from the Greek word
mainomai, meaning "one who so speaks that he seems not to be in his
right mind" (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). This would be no
different from visiting an assembly with members speaking Spanish, German,
and Chinese simultaneously. They would be viewed as mad or senseless. This
is why prophecy or inspired teaching is preferred or greater than tongues.
As Paul states in verse 24, "But if all prophesy [teach by inspiration],
and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced
of all…." He confirms here that if we prophesy or teach, all are profited,
even the new visitor, that might be new.

Examples of Tongues

Let’s now consider some of the instances of
tongues we find in the Word. One of the first passages where we find this
gift being used is Acts 10:44-48, "While Peter yet spake these words, the
Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the
circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter,
because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy
Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify Elohim. Then
answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be
baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? And he
commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Master [Yahshua]. Then
prayed they him to tarry certain days." When the gentiles heard the Word
they received the Holy Spirit. Immediately they spoke in tongues or
languages and magnified Yahweh. When it was evident that the gentiles had
received the Spirit, they were then baptized into the Name of Yahshua the
Messiah. Interestingly, in this example we find that the gentiles received
the Spirit prior to baptism. Receiving the Spirit prior to baptism was not
uncommon. In almost all other instances, the reverse occurred.

The gift of tongues here served a two-fold
purpose. It was a sign of conversion to those who were filled with the
Spirit and a confirmation to those circumcised Jews that witnessed this
miraculous event. The gift of tongues was a sign to show that Yahweh was
calling out the gentiles who prior to it were considered unbelievers or
barbarians.

A second example of this gift is in Acts
19:1-8, "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul
having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding
certain disciples, he said unto them, Have you received the Holy Spirit
since you believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard
whether there be any Holy Spirit. And he said unto them, Unto what then
were you baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul,
John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the
people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that
is, on Messiah Yahshua. When they heard this, they were baptized in the
name of the Master Yahshua. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them,
the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And all the men were about twelve. And he went into the synagogue, and
spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the
things concerning the kingdom of Yahweh."

This account speaks of two baptisms, a
baptism of repentance and a baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is the only
instance of this difference. While John’s baptism offered opportunity for
repentance, it did not offer the remission from sins and receiving of the
Holy Spirit, as with Yahshua’s baptism.

In addition, a connection is also found
between the receiving of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues.
Immediately upon baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit, we find
that these twelve new converts spoke in tongues or languages as a sign or
validation of their conversion. As with all of Yahweh’s gifts, glossa
served an important purpose. It was partly owing to this gift that 3,000
were converted at Pentecost and many other examples found in Acts.

As we have seen, Scripture does not corroborate the common
understanding of tongues. This gift was not meaningless babble, but an
effective tool that served a multifaceted purpose. It is a demonstration
of Yahweh’s great power and confirmation of one’s conversion.